The briefing programme for Central Observers appointed for the forthcoming Assembly General Elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal concluded today at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM).
The two-day briefing, held on February 5 and 6 in three phases, was attended by a total of 1,444 officers. This included 714 General Observers, 233 Police Observers and 497 Expenditure Observers.
During the sessions, the observers were briefed on various aspects of the electoral process, including preparation of electoral rolls, election management, expenditure monitoring, information technology systems and media-related matters. Demonstrations of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were also conducted as part of the programme.
On the second and final day, the third batch of Central Observers was addressed by the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The Commission also participated in an interactive question-and-answer and grievance redressal session with the observers.
In his address, the Chief Election Commissioner reiterated that elections in India are conducted strictly in accordance with the law and the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India from time to time. He cautioned that there is no scope for deviation and urged the observers to strictly adhere to the legal framework and ECI instructions. He also highlighted several new initiatives undertaken by the Commission over the past year, along with additional measures being introduced for the upcoming Assembly elections, emphasizing the need to ensure free, fair and transparent polls.
Election Commissioner Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu stated that Central Observers shoulder significant responsibility as they represent the Election Commission at the field level. He called upon them to maintain the highest standards of conduct and to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders during the electoral process.
Addressing the observers, Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi stressed the importance of prompt disposal of complaints and grievances received by them. He noted that timely redressal enhances public confidence and strengthens the trust of political parties in the electoral process. He also briefed the participants on several new initiatives adopted by the Commission in the past year, many of which were successfully implemented during the Bihar Assembly elections.
Central Observers are appointed to assist the Commission in conducting free and fair elections by exercising the plenary powers vested in it under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. They oversee the effective and efficient management of the electoral process at the ground level.
This information was shared by the Office of the State Chief Electoral Officer.
